Barcelona superstar’s recovery progressing as per plan; could play 90 minutes in next World Cup game

Barcelona and Spain fans were handed a huge boost last night when Luis de la Fuente named Lamine Yamal in the starting line-up for the game against Saudi Arabia.

Although the Spaniard played only 45 minutes, that could have been down to the fact that La Roja were leading comfortably by then and there was no need to risk the teenager.

It is now encouraging to hear that Lamine’s physical plan is progressing exactly as expected, and Spain could now be ready to use him for a full match against Uruguay.

According to Helena Condis on El Partidazo de COPE, the Barcelona winger is already at 100 percent. She said:

“He’s already at 100% and we’ll be able to see him for the full 90 minutes against Uruguay”

Ahead of the Saudi game, Lamine himself recently admitted that he was not yet ready for a full game. However, it does look like he was close.

The Barcelona forward did not play the entire game against Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

The fact that the plan has continued smoothly will be reassuring for Spain, but even more so for Barcelona supporters watching closely from a distance.

Lamine is one of Spain’s most decisive players, yet he is also the jewel of Barcelona’s present and future. His long-term health is very important for the club.

Spain need his one-on-one threat

Spain look different when Lamine is on the pitch. He gives the team width, imagination and the kind of one-on-one threat that can break down deep defensive blocks.

This was one of the biggest talking points after the Cape Verde game. La Roja looked devoid of imagination in that game and lacked a creator like Lamine or Nico Williams.

Against Uruguay, his availability for 90 minutes could be crucial. It gives the coach the option to start him and keep him on if the match becomes tight, rather than managing him only as a shorter-impact player.

It is a boost to Spain, but Luis de la Fuente will also hope that he is not pushed into a situation where they need Lamine for 90 minutes against the South American giants.

Barça will want careful management

Yamal could play 90 minutes vs Uruguay. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

While it is good to hear that Lamine’s recovery is progressing according to plan, Barça will still want this situation handled with the utmost caution.

Lamine can play 90 minutes, but that does not mean he should be pushed unnecessarily in every match. His long-term freshness is too important.

Still, this is a positive moment. Lamine appears physically ready, Spain need his spark, and Barça fans can take pride in seeing one of their own become central to a World Cup team.

The challenge now is to find the balance. As tempted as a manager would be to keep the teenager on the pitch for every minute, it remains to be seen how Luis de la Fuente handles this situation.

Last night provided a glimpse of what Spain can expect from Lamine at this World Cup. Hopefully, the full picture is as good as promised.